Sheet transferring device and method

ABSTRACT

In a mechanized sheet transferring device a first movable gripping means is disposed adjacent the continuous sheet desired to be incrementally transferred forwardly of the device, with said gripping means alternately advancing said sheet forwardly of the device, whereupon a stationary gripping means effectively clamps said sheet stationary, while simultaneously the sheet may be sheared or punched by a mechanism, or the like, while the movable gripping means returns to its initial position. Since the movable gripping means is moved by means of a drive chain and motor-sprocket arrangement, this movable gripping means may be set at any position along the longitudinal length of the sheet moving surface of the device, to provide for precise advancement of the sheet material between shearing operations. In the method of operation of this sheet transferring device, the movable gripping means alternately advances the sheet material a fixed distance, whereat circuitry energizes a stationary gripping means that clamps the sheet into fixed position, while said movable gripping means returns to its initial preset location along the sheet moving surface of the device.

[451 Aug. 21, 1973 United States Patent 11 1 Voges 1 SHEET TRANSFERRINGDEVICE AND Primary Examiner-Allen N. Knowles Attorney Pau1 M. DenkMETHOD Inventor:

[57] ABSTRACT In a mechanized sheet transferring device a first mov-[75] Kenneth Voges, Red Bud, Ill.

[73] Assignee:

able gripping means is disposed adjacent the continu- [22] Filed: Feb.19, 1971 ous sheet desired to be incrementally transferred forwardly ofthe device, with said gripping means alternately advancing said sheetforwardly of the device,

211 App]. No.: 116,914

whereupon a stationary gripping means effectively clamps said sheetstationary, while simultaneous] sheet may be sheared or punched by amechanis y the m, or

the like, while the movable gripping means returns to [51] Int.

its initial position. Since the movable gripping means is [58] Field ofSearch.................... 226/158, 159, 160,-

moved by means of a drive chain and motor-sprocket arrangement, thismovable gripping means may be set at any position along the longitudinallength of the sheet moving surface of the device, to provide for ciseadvancement of the sheet material between sh ing operations.

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENT preear-

In the method of operation of this sheet transferring device, themovable gripping means alternately advances the sheet material a fixeddistance, whereat circuitry energizes a stationary gripping means thatcl fixed position, while said movable Kulig.......

lllll WWMWZ 1 amps the sheet into 210,087 5 1925 GreatBritain...................... 226/167 g pp means returns 10 its initialPreset location along the sheet moving surface of the device.

9 Claims, 13 Drawing Figures PATENTEU M1821 192a SHEEI 1 0F 5 INVENTORKENNETH Vocss BYQQ ATTORNEY PATENTEDAUBZI 191a SHEET 2 OF 5 FIG.2

FIG. 3

INVENTOR KENNETH Vosss BY M/W ATTO R NEY PATENTEDAUBZI 1915 3.753522SHEET 3 OF 5 FIG.7

2/ l t E L0 M I (0 T -U-Gm- -a-u- INVENTOR KENNETH VOGES raw/ Z ATTORNEYPAIENTEUAusm 197s SHEEI 8 0? 5 INVENTOR KENNETH VOGES ATTORNEYPATENTEUAUGZ] ma SHEET 5 OF 5 -sTART STOP Ll TI T I TI IVZHP /5' L2 =T2T2 M I E L J T3 T3 I/ZHP r F2 T2 T2 M T3 wklli 2 FEED (LOCATED R j ON PM3 RESS) a FEED (MANUAL) 3" CLAMP I I0 PSI FORWARD CLUTCH ,1. 3 3 4 6 BFORWARD 5 3 8%?" REVERSE CLUTCH IO IO 2 I 6" CLAMP u TPRESS OPSI 3"CLAMP MQNM 5 6 so. 2

3 CLAMP I V REVERSE so P'I 6 CLAMP *7 7 J 8 SOL. 2

A 3 BRAKE FIG. I3

INVENTOR KENNETH VOGES ENC/4 ATTORN EY 1 SHEET TRANSFERRING DEVICE ANDMETHOD BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to asheet material moving device, preferably continuous sheet material, butmore specifically, relates to a sheet moving device which provides forprecise advancement of continuous sheet material over the fulllongitudinal length of the transferring device.

Prior sheet or feed stock transferring machines normally included a pairof feed rolls intermediate of which the continuous stock was inserted,i.e., just like in the old washing machine wringer, and would betransferred upon energization of its rolls. While such sheet movingdevices are beneficial from the standpoint of providing transfer ofcontinuous stock, such as from a roll or coil of material, such devicesnormally sacrificed accuracy due to slippage of the stock material. Thisoccurs due to the oily or lubricated surface of such material to preventits oxidation. Other prior sheet moving devices included mechanisms thatwere designed for transferring only individual lengths of precut stockmaterial, as distinct from continuous rolls of sheet material.Generally, in such a prior art device, not only are they found to beinefficient with respect to speed of transfer of the sheet material, butsuch devices just could not be used upon continuous stock, whichincidentally is the principal manner in which sheet material isfurnished from the suppliers at the present time. Mechanisms of thelatter category for transferring individual sheets of material weregenerally designed including a combination cylinder and piston sheetmoving means whose extent of movement of the sheet material is limitedonly to the length of stroke of its individual piston within thecylinder.

In view of the foregoing, it is the principal object of this inventionto provide a sheet transferring device which may be utilized in closeproximity with other mechanisms, such as a shearing or punch pressmachines, to provide for sequential, but rapid, transfer of continuousstock to the machines at lengths heretofore unrealized.

It is another object of this invention to provide a sheet transferringdevice which is quite efficient in operation due to the precisiontransfer and fixation of the sheet material in preparation for asubsequent operation.

It is another object of this invention to provide a device fortransferring sheet material wherein greater longitudinal lengths of thesheet material may be moved through the use of movable gripping meansthat may be shifted the entire longitudinal length of the sheet movingsurfaces of said device.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a motorizedprecision air grip press feed which achieves precision timing in thedisplacement of continuous sheet material upon its surface through thecombined cooperation of both electrically energized and air actuatedmovable and stationary sheet gripping means.

These and other objects of this invention will become more apparent tothose skilled in the art upon reviewing the summary of this invention,the appended drawings, and the description of the preferred embodiment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The sheet transferring device of this inventionforms a sheet moving surface through the agency of a plurality of rollerbrackets that are aligned approximately parallel and longitudinally ofthe framework of this device. .The series of rollers provide anapproximate horizontal or planar surface which facilitates the freemovement of the sheet material as it may be uncoiled from a roll ofstock. Located proximate the forward end of this sheet transferringdevice are one or more stationary gripping means which are adjustablelaterally with respect to each other, when a pair of such gripping meansare employed, and which means are arranged just adjacent the lateraledge of the sheet material to be transferred. After the sheet materialhas been transferred a fixed distance upon the sheet moving surface, andto that precise length at which it is desired to be sheared or otherwiseworked upon, just prior to said subsequent operation, the stationarygripping means will be energized to clamp the lateral edge of the sheetmaterial and fix the same firmly in place. Disposed in longitudinalalignment with each stationary gripping means is a movable grippingmeans, which upon actuation will be shifted alternately towards or awayfrom the stationary gripping means and the forward end of the transferdevice. This movable gripping means is arranged for riding throughbearing engagement upon a rail, and a drive means, formed of a chaindrive that is moved by means of a pair of motors and sprocket providesfor this longitudinal movement in said movable gripping means. Thismovable gripping means, like the stationary gripping means, includes aclamp which when energized will engage the lateral edge of the proximatesheet material, and while holding the same, the forward advancement ofthis gripping means provides for transfer of the sheet materialforwardly of the device for a definite fixed distance.

The roller brackets used for forming the sheet moving surface arecomprised of a plurality of brackets each having a series of alignedrollers connecting thereto, and each bracket is capable of removal fromthe device as when it is desired to lessen the width of the sheet movingsurface, as when narrower material is being worked.

Both the movable and stationary gripping means of this invention achieveclamping through the actuation of air pistons which are forced into aclamping arrangement through the introduction of pressurized air intoits respective piston chamber, but may be deactivated through theexhausting of said pressurized air when it is desired to release theengagement of a particular gripping means from the edge of the sheetmaterial. Electrical circuitry coordinates the movements of the movablegripping means with respect to the sheet moving surface, and through thecontact of said movable gripping means made upon switch means that arearranged, respectively, proximate the stationary gripping means, nearthe forward end 'of the sheet transferring device, and the back end ofthe sheet moving device, provides for the timed sequence of operationbetween the clamping of the air actuated stationary and movable grippingmeans, and the movements of the movable gripping means.

Since the movable gripping means of this invention are transferred atsubstantially high speeds, it has been found useful to provide means fordecelerating its movements particularly as this gripping meansapproaches the stationary gripping means at the forward end of the sheettransfer device, or approaches the limit of its movement at the otherend of the sheet transfer surface. To achieve this, a double actingcylinder includes a piston which is subject to movement retarding airpressure when shifted in either direction, and it is disposed forencountering stop means formed on the stationary gripping means, as whenadvancing, or it may encounter another adjustable stop means that is setat a fixed length along the longitudinal dimension of the rail uponwhich the movable gripping means rides. This double acting cylinder actsas a cushion that forces a deceleration in the speed of movement of themovable gripping means, just prior to said gripping means encounteringthe aforesaid switches that actuate electrical circuitry whichde-energizes the motors of the drive means, along with initiating otherfunctions.

The unique function that is achieved from this particular feeding deviceis that the rail upon which the movable gripping means rides extends thefull longitudinal length of the sheet transferring device, andtherefore, the movable gripping means may be set for movement eitheralong the entire or partial length of the sheet transferring device, asdesired. Greater lengths or increments of sheet material may berepeatedly advanced by a sheet transferring device of this design, anddue to the power achieved through the use of dual motors that energizethe drive means. high speeds may be achieved concomitantly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 provides a perspective view ofthe mechanized sheet transferring device of this invention;

FIG. 2 provides a left side elevational view of the sheet transferringdevice of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 provides a top plan view of the sheet transferring device of FIG.1;

FIG. 4 is a partial longitudinal sectional view showing the right sidedrive means, and stationary and movable gripping means taken along theline 4-4 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a partial transverse sectional view of the left sidestationary gripping means taken along the line 5-5 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a partial sectional view of the left side stationary grippingmeans taken along the line 6--6 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a partial transverse sectional view showing the left sidemovable gripping means taken along the line 7-7 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 8 is a partial sectional view showing the left side movablegripping means taken along the line 88 of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a partial top view of the left side movable gripping meansshown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a partial transverse sectional view taken along line 10-10 ofFIG. 9 showing the pressurized air-sensitive pistons and switches thatdictate timed movements of said movable gripping means;

FIG. 11 is a partial longitudinal sectional view taken along line 11-11of FIG. 3 showing a modified one of the roller brackets arranged inplace upon said device;

FIG. 12 is a sectional view of a roller bracket mount taken along line12-l2 of FIG. 11; and

FIG. 13 discloses a circuit diagram of the electrical circuitry employedin the functioning of this sheet transferring device.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to the drawings,particularly FIGS. 1

through 3, the sheet transferring device of this invention is generallydisclosed at A, comprising a framework 1 including a series of side andend panels supported by a structural subframework, said frame beingsupported upon adjustable legs 2 that allows for proper setting andvibration-free mounting of said device. Connecting proximate the backend of this device, as at 3, (and for purposes of describing thisinvention, the back end shall refer to that end of the device upon whichthe sheet material enters or moves onto the same, while the forward endof the device 4 relates to that front edge over which the sheet materialpasses as it is advanced by means-of this device to otherinstrumentalities as previously described) are a series of rollers 5that guide continuous stock onto the device. These rollers 5 facilitatethe upward advancement of the stock material, as from a coil, onto thesheet moving surface of this device.

The sheet moving surface of this device is defined as that planarsurface upon which the sheet material passes and advances, and it isformed by means of a series of roller brakcets, as at 6, which aregenerally longitudinally and parallel aligned, with each roller brackethaving a series of bearing-mounted rollers as at 7, upon which sheetmaterial may freely advance to the forward end of the device. Theprecise construction of the roller brackets, along with theirportability attributes, will be subsequently described.

Also extending longitudinally proximate the sheet I moving surface ofthis device are a pair of T-rails 8, and fixedly secured to the frontalportion of each said rail is a stationary gripping member 9 (which mayalso be called a 3 inch clamp), While mounted for longitudinal movementupon each of said rails is a movable gripping member 10 (which maylikewise be called a 6 inch clamp). Each of these stationary and movablegripping members are arrangedfor disposition proximate the lateral edgesof any sheet material that is desired to be advanced upon the sheetmoving surface, and it is through the co-ordinated clamping actions ofeach of these gripping members that the force sufficient to inducepulling of sheet material onto the device, while simultaneouslyadvancing it forwardly of said device, is achieved.

Both the left side stationary and movable gripping members may beadjusted laterally with respect to the surface simultaneously with theright side stationary and movable gripping members so that sheetmaterial of a variety of widths may be handled by this device. Byreferring specifically to FIG. 3, it can be seen that a hand wheel 11 isconnected for rotation to one side of this device, and said wheelconnects directly with a double-threaded screw 12 located transverselythe frontal portion of this device and which threadedly engages theT-rails 8, and through the agency of a link chain 13, a seconddouble-threaded screw 14 is arranged for threaded engagement with theback end of the T-rails 8. Thus, through a turning of the hand wheel 11,both the double-threaded screws 12 and 14 will simultaneously turn inthe same direction, and through their threaded engagement with the rails8, will simulta neously provide for movement of said rails eithertowards or away from each other, depending upon the direction ofrotation of said wheel 11. In this manner, precise settings of therails, and their mounted stationary and movable gripping members, may bemade with respect to the width of the sheet material to be handled bythis device.

By referring in addition to FIGS. 4 and 11, the mechanisms that providefor movement of the movable gripping members are shown to comprise apair of drive means that include a motor and clutch combination, oneeach disposed at the forward and back ends of the device, and each ofsaid combination connects by means of a belt, as at 16, to a pulley 17which is linked by means of a shaft 18 to a sprocket 19 around which achain 20 is geared. Thus, through energization of either one of saidmotors 15, the chain drive 20 may be turned in either direction ofmovement either towards the forward and/or the back end of the sheetmoving device. This chain 20 is linked at either of its ends to acoupler 21 (see FIG. 8) which coupler mounts to the underside of itsrespective movable gripping member 10. The connection of the chain 20 tosaid coupler is effected through a spring means 22 so as to compensatefor variations in chain lengths used in moving both of the movablegripping means when a pair of the same are employed.

The structure of each movable gripping member 10 is more accuratelydisclosed in FIGS. 7 through 9, and is shown comprising a housing 23which has a series of rollers 24 rotatably mounted proximate itsdownward portion, with said rollers being so disposed to provide fortheir riding upon and in snug contact with the various faces of theembraced T-rail 8. Integrally mounted to the upward portion of eachhousing 23 is a piston chamber 25 which has disposed hermetically withinits interior a piston, as at 26, which piston has depending downwardlyfrom its central portion an integral rod 27. The downward face of thisrod 27 is arranged in close proximity, but not touching under normalconditions, with a rod end 28 which is fixedly located concentricallybelow the rod 27 and within the lower portion of the housing 23. Thus,the spacing, as at 29, intermediate these two rod ends of each movablegripping member is provided so that the lateral edge of the sheetmaterial may comfortably insert therebetween, and it is through thefunction of the piston 26, as when it is depressed downwardly by meansof air pressure, that this lateral edge of the sheet material may beclamped, as when it is desired to move the movable gripping memberforwardly so as to advance the sheet, or to the contrary, when saidpiston 26 is deactivated so as to allow said rods to disengage the sheetmaterial as when it is necessary to return this movable piston to itsrearward position with respect to the sheet moving surface. Obviouslythe sheet moving surface, as previously defined being located along aplane parallel with the upward edge of each of the rollers 7, is alsodisposed at the same level as the spacing 29 intermediate the two rods27 and 28 of each movable gripping member.

Since the energization of the piston 26, as by the entrance ofpressurized air into its chamber, causes its rod 27 to depress, as toachieve sheet clamping, when said pressurized air is exhausted, the biasof the springs 30 force the piston 26 upwardly so as to providedeclamping of said sheet material. The various electrical connections,and the solenoid actuated valves that allow entrance of pressurized airinto this movable gripping means, or exhaust the same, will besubsequently described.

The structure of each stationary gripping member may be seen byreviewing FIGS. 5 and 6. The configu- 6 ration and function of thesestationary gripping members 9 are quite similar to that of the movablegripping members as just described, with the exception that saidstationary member is designed to provide for clamping and fixation ofthe sheet material as when it has been already advanced that precisedistance desired to next achieve its shearing, punching, or any otherfunction to the fore of the device, and while the movable grippingmember is retracted to its initial or starting position as set somewherein the rearward regions of the device, and of this stationary member.Each stationary gripping member 9 also includes a housing 31 which isclamped by means of bolts 32 securely to the forward ends of the T-rails8. Constructed in the upward end of the housing 31 is a piston chamber33 including a piston 34 which is air actuated and disposed for limitedvertical movement within said chamber. An integral rod 35 dependsdownwardly from said piston 34, and ends, as at 36, a small distanceabove a second rod 37 that is mounted fixedly in the downward portion ofsaid housing 31. There is a space 38 formed intermediate said rods 36and 37 through which the lateral edges of the sheet material may pass aswhen the piston 34 is at rest within its chamber, and is urged upwardlyby means of the springs 39, but that upon energization of said piston bymeans of the entrance of pressurized air into the upward portion of itschamber, the rod 35 will be depressed downwardly, into clamping contactwith the rod 37 and naturally upon any sheet material that may bedisposed intermediate said two rod ends. As previously described,clamping of the lateral edges of any sheet material by means of thisstationary gripping member is performed as when it is necessary to fixthe sheet material in place, as when it is to be worked, and

while the movable gripping member is returned to its initial position.

Each of the movable and stationary gripping members has mounted upon itspiston chamber a solenoid operated valve, such as the solenoid operatedvalve 40 shown in FIG. 8 for the movable gripping member, and thesolenoid operated valve 41 shown in FIG. 5 for the stationary grippingmember. Each valve has an air line 42 connected to it providing forentrance of pressurized air from a source to each valve, and when therespective valves are actuated into open air conducting positions, airmay be admitted through their lines 43 for entrance into theirrespective piston chambers. Actuation of said valves in an oppositedirection provides for exhausting of pressurized air from said pistonchambers as when it is desired to declamp the sheet material. Each ofthe movable gripping members is provided with an additional pair of airlines 44 and 45, which tap pressurized air from the air line 42, andsaid additional air lines continuously supply air into the cylinder 46to either side of the piston 47 of the double acting piston rod 48. Thefunction of this double acting piston is to allow for a mechanicaldeceleration in the speed of movement of the movable gripping memberjust as it comes into proximity with either the rearward stop 49 thathas been set upon the T-rail 8, at or near the back side of the sheetmoving surface, or when said movable gripping means encounters the stop50 located on the side of the housing 31 of the stationary grippingmember 9, as when the movable gripping member comes into proximity withthe same as when advancing the sheet material. Also connecting to eitherside of the movable gripping member, just below the aforesaid doubleacting piston are a pair of adjustable stops 51 and 52, and said stopsare disposed for encountering microswitches that mount respectively tothe stationary gripping member, as at 53, and to the frontal portion ofthe stop 49, as at 54. it is just as likely, though, that thesemicroswitches could be mounted within the stop means 51 and 52 of themovable gripping member. It is the depressing of these microswitches bythe stops 51 and 52 that tie-energizes the motors and clutches 15 thatdrive the chain drives 20, and provide for immediate cessation in themovement of said movable gripping members, as when they reach the limitsof their forward and retracting movements. The precise sequence ofoperation of these microswitches are more fully explained in asubsequent description of the circuit diagram of this device.

Also connecting to the upward surface of each of the piston chambers 25and 33 are microswitches 55, each of which switch includesinstrumentalities that are sensitive to the amount of pressurized airthat may be developed within their respective chambers, said switchesbeing useful for instructing the various air solenoid operated valves asto just when a corresponding action should take place by the respectivestationary or movable gripping members, or just when the movablegripping member should commence advancement with respect to the sheetmoving surface. The structure of each of these microswitches 55 is moreaptly depicted in FIG. 10, which shows each of said switches comprisinga dual microswitch and having disposed therebeneath a pair of pistons 57and 58 which when moved upwardly engage with their respective contactsof the microswitch. Each of these pistons 57 and 58 are hermeticallydisposed for sliding movement within the upward closure member 59 ofeach piston cylinder, cylinder 25 being herein shown by way of example,and since the piston 57 is of lesser diameter than the piston 58, it isdesigned and preset to move when it encounters approximately 50 to 60psi of air that has been introduced into the chamber through the airline 43.

- Since the piston 58 is of greater diameter, and hence greater surfacearea, it is designed and predetermined to guage when approximately psiof air pressure remains in the piston chamber. Thus, the capacity of airpressure introduced or remaining in the respective piston cylinders 25and 34 of both the movable and stationary gripping members is alwaysbeing gauged, and their respective microswitches, as at 55, areresponsive to the amount of air pressure within the piston chambers atall times, so that when the movable gripping member has air ofapproximately 60 psi within its chamber, which thereby forces its pistondownwardly into sheet clamping contact and instructs said member tomove, the stationary gripping member will have already had itspressurized air exhausted and instructed the electrical circuitry whenless than 10 psi air pressure is contained within its cylinder whichallowed for an opening of its clamping means. When in this relationship,the sheet material may be advanced by the movable gripping means untilits stop 52 encounters the microswitch 53 of the stationary member,-which then reverses each of the solenoid air valves to allow forexhausting of air from the piston chamber of the movable member whileallowing the entrance of pressurized air to the piston chamber of thestationary member. The pressurized air of the respective piston chambersis again gauged by their respective dual pistons 57 and 58 which actuatetheir respective microswitches for determining just when the movablegripping members shall be reactivated for returning to its initialposition.

A description of the operation of electrical circuitry of this sheettransferring device may be as follows. By referring to FIG. 13, thestarting position of this device is set by moving the reverse limitswitch to its No. 9 contact, which energizes a three inch brakesolenoid, this solenoid operating the brake 66 which holds the movablegripping member in place, particularly when it is set in its initialstarting position; the 60 psi switch of the movable gripping member v(6inch clamp) is moved to contact No. 6; the solenoid of the stationarygripping member (3 inch clamp) is energized, and at the same time, the10 psi switch of the movable gripping member (6 inch clamp) is open, asare all of the other switches as shown in this diagram. To start thecycle of this device, either a manual feed switch, or an automaticswitch mounted on the press or shear, and defined as located on press,is actuated. The closed feed switch whether it be manually orautomatically tripped, actuates the relay R1 and the forward clutchmotornormally closed solenoid. The closed Rl relay holds in after release ofthe feed switch. The forward clutch-motor solenoid effects anenergization of the forward clutch 15, which causes advancing movementof the movable gripping members, which thereby releases the reverseswitch to its normal position at No. 7. At the end of the forward strokeof the movable gripping means, the forward microswitch 53 is depressed,and this releases the R1 relay, the forward clutch solenoid isdeactivated which thereby deenergizes the forward clutch 15, as is thenormally open solenoid 41 of the stationary gripping member. Thede-energized or released normally open solenoid of the stationarygripping means (3 inch clamp) causes its piston chamber 33 to fill withpressurized air, and this air filled chamber shortly actuates its 60 psimicroswitch into engagement with contact No. 8, which now changes thesolenoid of the movable gripping member (6 inch clamp) while the 10 psimicroswitch of the stationary gripping member (3 inch clamp)simultaneously moves into an open position which maintains an opencircuit to the forward clutch normally closed solenoid, even through theR1 relay may have become reset. The energized solenoid of the movablegripping member (6 inch clamp) releases air from the cylinder of thismember, which moves its 10 psi switch into contact with contact No. 10,which consequently energizes the normally closed solenoid of thereversing clutch, as located at the back side of the device, while the60 psi microswitch of the movable gripping member is actuated into anopen position which maintains an open circuit to the normally open, butnow de-energized, solenoid of the stationary gripping member. Thenormally closed solenoid of the reversing clutch-motor causes a reversemovement of the movable gripper thereby releasing the forward switch toits normal position. At the end of the reverse stroke of the movablegripper, the switch 54 of stop 49 is depressed. This depressed switchreleases the normally closed solenoid of the reversing clutch-motorcombination, it also releases the normally open solenoid of the movablegripping member (6 inch clamp), while simultaneously energizing thenormally closed solenoid of the disc brake, which holds the movablegrippers firmly in place. The released normally open solenoid of themovable gripping member causes its cylinder to fill with air, and thisair filled cylinder moves its psi switch into open position whichreleases the normally closed solenoid of the reversing motor and movesits 60 psi switch into closed position for energizing the normally opensolenoid of the stationary gripping member to exhaust pressurized airfrom its chamber and provide declamping of the sheet material by saidstationary member. The cycle of oper ation is now complete, and if onceagain the R1 relay is energized, as by a manual force or through theoperation of a shear or some other device operating upon the advancedsheet, the cycle will repeat itself again.

As previously described, this device is normally operated with the useof a pair of both stationary and movable gripping members. But, where anarrow sheet material is being acted upon, it may only be necessary toutilize a single stationary gripping member and movable gripping member.Furthermore, the roller brackets 6 of this device are portable, andselected brackets may be removed and more of them added to the sheetmoving surface depending upon the width of the sheet being acted upon.Each bracket is formed proximate its rearwardly disposed end with aspring mounted plate 60, see FIG. 12, which engages a cross-rail 61provided in the framework of this device, while the forward end of eachbracket contains a stop 62, see FIG. 1 1, that engages a cross-rail 63provided in the forward framework of this device. Thus, a roller bracketmay be inserted in this device by simply engaging its plate 60 with thecross-rail 61, and through the exercise of force move the entire bracketrearwardly sightly so that its block 62 may clear the rail 63 forsliding downwardly adjacent thereto. When the bracket is released, thespring mounted plate 60 will force the block 62 snugly againstcross-rail 63 to be held firmly in place. In addition, it is to be notedthat the roller brackets located closest to the stationary and movablegripping members also contain a series of upwardly disposed rollers 64that are mounted to a rail 65, and there is one of these rollers 64disposed in close vertical alignment with each roller 7 so that thelateral edges of the sheet material may be embraced therebetween tomaintain the sheet material always along the plane of the sheet movingsurface, and always necessarily in the space intermediate the rod endsof both the movable and stationary gripping members.

The description of the preferred embodiment of this invention has beendone for illustration purposes only,

- and the appended claims are designed to protect not only thisdescribed embodiment, but also any variations or modifications theretowhich may fall within the spirit and scope of this invention and whichwould be obvious to one skilled in the art after analyzing the subjectmatter of this invention. For example, it may be feasible that a drivemeans other than a chain drive can be employed to achieve movement forthe movable gripping members. For example, such drive means may includehydraulic motors or pneumatic motors for furnishing alternate movementsto said movable gripping members. Furthermore, it is also conceivablethat in place of using two motor-clutch combinations to move, inopposite directions, the movable grippers, a single reversing motor mayoperate just as effectively. Sheet material, as defined herein, caninclude either cut blanks of sheet material or continuous sheet materialwhich is coiled upon a roll. These are merely illustrative.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed and desired to besecured by Letters Patent is:

1. In a high speed mechanized sheet transferring device, a sheet movingsurface formed by a series of rollers to facilitate movement of sheetmaterial thereupon, movable gripping means operatively associated withsaid sheet moving surface and disposed for movement longitudinally ofsaid surface, first after gripping the lateral edge of the adjacentsheet to advance it forwardly of the device, and secondly, to reurn toits initial position after releasing said sheet, drive means included insaid device to effect alternate movements of said movable grippingmeans, a second gripping means stationarily disposed proximate saidsurface and provided for gripping and retaining said sheet during thereturn of said movable gripping means to its initial position, saidgripping means being operative under the influence of pressure, thetiming of the movements and clamping of said gripping means beingresponsive to the degree of pressure maintained in said pressureoperated gripping means, said drive means comprises a chain drivearranged approximately the longitudinal length of said sheet movingsurface, first motor-clutch means including a sprocket engaging saidchain drive proximate one end of said surface and upon actuation movingsaid chain and movable gripping means in one direction, and a secondmotor-clutch means including a sprocket engaging said chain driveproximate the other end of said surface and upon actuation moving saidchain drive and gripping means in the opposite direction.

2. The invention of claim 1 wherein said movable gripping means andchain drive are adjustable providing for adjustment in the limits oflongitudinal movement of said movable gripping means with respect tosaid sheet moving surface.

3. In a high speed mechanized sheet transferring device, a sheet movingsurface formed by a series of rollers to facilitate movement of sheetmaterial thereupon, movable gripping means operatively associated withsaid sheet moving surface and disposed for movement longitudinally ofsaid surface, first, after gripping the lateral edge of the adjacentsheet to advance it forwardly of the device, and secondly, to return itto its initial position after releasing said sheet, drive means includedin said device to effect alternate movements to said movable grippingmeans, a second gripping means stationarily disposed proximate saidsurface and provided for gripping and retaining said sheet during thereturn of said movable gripping means to its initial position, saidgripping means being operative under the influence of pressure, thetiming of the movements and clamping of said gripping means beingresponsive to the degree of pressure maintained in said pressureoperated gripping means, said movable gripping means comprises a pair ofgripping members each capable of simultaneous longitudinal movementsupon the energization of their respective drive means, said pair ofgripping means capable of being laterally adjusted to their setting withrespect to each other thereby providing for their being set in proximitywith the lateral edges of the sheet material being moved by said movablegripping means, and said second gripping means comprising a pair ofstationary gripping members disposed proximate the forward longitudinalend of said device, and capable of being set proximate the lateral edgesof said sheet material to'grip and hold the same upon return of saidpair of movable gripping members to their initial positions.

4. The invention of claim 3 wherein said series of rollers forming thesheet moving surface includes at least one roller bracket disposed forarrangement along the longitudinal length of said device, said rollerbracket including a series of longitudinally aligned rollers eacharranged at equivalent heights so as to form an approximately planarsurface to facilitate movement of the sheet material thereupon.

5. The invention of claim 4 wherein said roller brackets are capable ofbeing removed from said device.

6. The invention of claim 3 wherein said drive means effects alternatemovements of said movable gripping means up to the length of said sheetmoving surface.

7. In a high speed mechanized sheet transferring device, a sheet movingsurface formed by a series of rollers to facilitate the movement ofcontinuous sheet material thereupon, movable gripping means operativelydisposed with respect to said surface and arranged just adjacent saidcontinuous sheet for clamping under the influence of fluid pressure itsside and advancing it longitudinally of said surface, a second grippingmeans stationarily disposed with respect to said surface and providedfor gripping under the influence of fluid pressure and retaining saidsheet during the return of said movable gripping means to its initialposition, drive means operatively associated with said movable grippingmeans for advancing and returning the same with respect to said surface,said drive means capable of longitudinal movement substantially equal tothe length of said surface, said gripping means being rendered operativeunder the influence of said pressurized fluid, and the timing of themovements and clamping of said gripping means being responsive to thedegree of fluid pressure maintained in said gripping means.

8. In a high speed mechanized sheet transferring device, a sheet movingsurface formed by a series of rollers to facilitate movement of sheetmaterial thereupon, movable gripping means operatively associated withsaid sheet moving surface and disposed for movement longitudinally ofsaid surface, first, after gripping the lateral edge of the adjacentsheet to advance it forwardly of the device, and secondly, to return toits initial position after releasing said sheet, drive means included insaid device to effect alternate movements of said gripping means, asecond gripping means stationarily disposed proximate said surface andprovided for gripping and retaining' said sheet during the return ofsaid movable gripping means to its initial position, said drive meanscomprising a chain drive arranged approximately the longitudinal lengthof said sheet moving surface, first motor-clutch means including asprocket engaging said chain drive proximate one end of said surface andupon actuation moving said chain and movable gripping means in onedirection, a second motor-clutch means including a sprocket engagingsaid chain drive proximate the other end of said surface and uponactuation moving-said chain drive and gripping means in the oppositedirection, said movable gripping means and chain drive are adjustableproviding for ad- 5 justment in the limits of longitudinal movement ofsaid movable gripping means with respect to said sheet moving surface,said first and second motor-clu tch means being alternately electricallyenergized to provide for the alternate induced movements of said chaindrive and movable gripping means, switch means its arranged in line withthe longitudinal movements of said movable gripping means and disposedfor being engaged by said gripping means as it achieves the limits ofits longitudinal movements, and a speed reducing means provided on saidmovable gripping means to reduce its speed of movement as it approachesthe limits of the alternate longitudinal movements.

9. In a high speed mechanized sheet transferring device, a sheet movingsurface formed by a series of rollers to facilitate movement of sheetmaterial thereupon, movable gripping means operatively associated withsaid sheet moving surface and disposed for movement longitudinally ofsaid surface, first, after gripping the lateral edge of the adjacentsheet to advance it forwardly of the device, and secondly, to return toits initial position after releasing said sheet, drive means included insaid device to effect alternate movements of said movable grippingmeans, a second gripping means stationarily disposed proximate saidsurface and provided for gripping and retaining said sheet during thereturn of said movable gripping means to its initial position, saiddrive means comprising a chain drive arranged approximately thelongitudinal length of said sheet moving surface, a first motor meansincluding a sprocket engaging said chain drive proximate one end of saidsurface and upon actuation moving said chain and movable gripping meansin one direction, a second motor means including a sprocket engagingsaid chain drive proximate the other end of said surface and uponactuation moving said chain drive and gripping means in the oppositedirection, said movable gripping means and chain drive are adjustableproviding for adjustment in the limits of longitudinal movement of saidmovable gripping means with respect to said sheet moving surface, saidfirst and second motor means being alternately energized to provide forthe alternate induced movement of said chain drive and movable grippingmeans, switch means arranged in line with the longitudinal movements ofsaid movable gripping means and disposed for being engaged by saidgripping means as it achieves the limits of its longitudinal movements,and a speed reducing means provided on said movable gripping means toreduce its speed of movement as it approaches the limits of itsalternate longitudinal movements.

at a: s =0: 4:

7 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No.3,753,522 Dated August 21 1973 Inventor(s) Kenneth Voges It is certifiedthat error appears in the above-identified patent and that said LettersPatent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Claim 8, column 12, line 10, after the word "means" delete the word---"its".

- sighed and sealed this 2nd day of July 1974.

(SEAL) Attest: I I

EDWARD M.FLETC-HER;JR. c. MARSHALL DANN Attesting Officer I Commisslonerof Patents FORM PO-IOSO (10-69) USCOMM-DC GO376-F'69 U. 54 GOVERNMENTPRINTING OFFICE: I969 O366-334

1. In a high speed mechanized sheet transferring device, a sheet moving surface formed by a series of rollers to facilitate movement of sheet material thereupon, movable gripping means operatively associated with said sheet moving surface and disposed for movement longitudinally of said surface, first after gripping the lateral edge of the adjacent sheet to advance it forwardly of the device, and secondly, to reurn to its initial position after releasing said sheet, drive means included in said device to effect alternate movements of said movable gripping means, a second gripping means stationarily disposed proximate said surface and provided for gripping and retaining said sheet during the return of said movable gripping means to its initial position, said gripping means being operative under the influence of pressure, the timing of the movements and clamping of said gripping means being responsive to the degree of pressure maintained in said pressure operated gripping means, said drive means comprises a chain drive arranged approximately the longitudinal length of said sheet moving surface, first motorclutch means including a sprocket engaging said chain drive proximate one end of said surface and upon actuation moving said chain and movable gripping means in one direction, and a second motor-clutch means including a sprocket engaging said chain drive proximate the other end of said surface and upon actuation moving said chain drive and gripping means in the opposite direction.
 2. The invention of claim 1 wherein said movable gripping means and chain drive are adjustable providing for adjustment in the limits of longitudinal movement of said movable gripping means with respect to said sheet moving surface.
 3. In a high speed mechanized sheet transferring device, a sheet moving surface formed by a series of rollers to facilitate movement of sheet material thereupon, movable gripping means operatively associated with said sheet moving surface and disposed for movement longitudinally of said surface, first, after gripping the lateral edge of the adjacent sheet to advance it forwardly of the device, and secondly, to return it to its initial position after releasing said sheet, drive means included in said device to effect alternate movements to said movable gripping means, a second gripping means stationarily disposed proximate said surface and provided for gripping and retaining said sheet during the return of said movable gripping means to its initial position, said gripping means being operative under the influence of pressure, the timing of the movements and clamping of said gripping means being responsive to the degree of pressure maintained in said pressure operated gripping means, said movable gripping means comprises a pair of gripping members each capable of simultaneous longitudinal movements upon the energization of their respective drive means, said pair of griPping means capable of being laterally adjusted to their setting with respect to each other thereby providing for their being set in proximity with the lateral edges of the sheet material being moved by said movable gripping means, and said second gripping means comprising a pair of stationary gripping members disposed proximate the forward longitudinal end of said device, and capable of being set proximate the lateral edges of said sheet material to grip and hold the same upon return of said pair of movable gripping members to their initial positions.
 4. The invention of claim 3 wherein said series of rollers forming the sheet moving surface includes at least one roller bracket disposed for arrangement along the longitudinal length of said device, said roller bracket including a series of longitudinally aligned rollers each arranged at equivalent heights so as to form an approximately planar surface to facilitate movement of the sheet material thereupon.
 5. The invention of claim 4 wherein said roller brackets are capable of being removed from said device.
 6. The invention of claim 3 wherein said drive means effects alternate movements of said movable gripping means up to the length of said sheet moving surface.
 7. In a high speed mechanized sheet transferring device, a sheet moving surface formed by a series of rollers to facilitate the movement of continuous sheet material thereupon, movable gripping means operatively disposed with respect to said surface and arranged just adjacent said continuous sheet for clamping under the influence of fluid pressure its side and advancing it longitudinally of said surface, a second gripping means stationarily disposed with respect to said surface and provided for gripping under the influence of fluid pressure and retaining said sheet during the return of said movable gripping means to its initial position, drive means operatively associated with said movable gripping means for advancing and returning the same with respect to said surface, said drive means capable of longitudinal movement substantially equal to the length of said surface, said gripping means being rendered operative under the influence of said pressurized fluid, and the timing of the movements and clamping of said gripping means being responsive to the degree of fluid pressure maintained in said gripping means.
 8. In a high speed mechanized sheet transferring device, a sheet moving surface formed by a series of rollers to facilitate movement of sheet material thereupon, movable gripping means operatively associated with said sheet moving surface and disposed for movement longitudinally of said surface, first, after gripping the lateral edge of the adjacent sheet to advance it forwardly of the device, and secondly, to return to its initial position after releasing said sheet, drive means included in said device to effect alternate movements of said gripping means, a second gripping means stationarily disposed proximate said surface and provided for gripping and retaining said sheet during the return of said movable gripping means to its initial position, said drive means comprising a chain drive arranged approximately the longitudinal length of said sheet moving surface, first motor-clutch means including a sprocket engaging said chain drive proximate one end of said surface and upon actuation moving said chain and movable gripping means in one direction, a second motor-clutch means including a sprocket engaging said chain drive proximate the other end of said surface and upon actuation moving said chain drive and gripping means in the opposite direction, said movable gripping means and chain drive are adjustable providing for adjustment in the limits of longitudinal movement of said movable gripping means with respect to said sheet moving surface, said first and second motor-clutch means being alternately electrically energized to provide for the alternate induced movements of said chain drive and movable gripping means, switch means its arranged in line with the longitudinal movements of said movable gripping means and disposed for being engaged by said gripping means as it achieves the limits of its longitudinal movements, and a speed reducing means provided on said movable gripping means to reduce its speed of movement as it approaches the limits of the alternate longitudinal movements.
 9. In a high speed mechanized sheet transferring device, a sheet moving surface formed by a series of rollers to facilitate movement of sheet material thereupon, movable gripping means operatively associated with said sheet moving surface and disposed for movement longitudinally of said surface, first, after gripping the lateral edge of the adjacent sheet to advance it forwardly of the device, and secondly, to return to its initial position after releasing said sheet, drive means included in said device to effect alternate movements of said movable gripping means, a second gripping means stationarily disposed proximate said surface and provided for gripping and retaining said sheet during the return of said movable gripping means to its initial position, said drive means comprising a chain drive arranged approximately the longitudinal length of said sheet moving surface, a first motor means including a sprocket engaging said chain drive proximate one end of said surface and upon actuation moving said chain and movable gripping means in one direction, a second motor means including a sprocket engaging said chain drive proximate the other end of said surface and upon actuation moving said chain drive and gripping means in the opposite direction, said movable gripping means and chain drive are adjustable providing for adjustment in the limits of longitudinal movement of said movable gripping means with respect to said sheet moving surface, said first and second motor means being alternately energized to provide for the alternate induced movement of said chain drive and movable gripping means, switch means arranged in line with the longitudinal movements of said movable gripping means and disposed for being engaged by said gripping means as it achieves the limits of its longitudinal movements, and a speed reducing means provided on said movable gripping means to reduce its speed of movement as it approaches the limits of its alternate longitudinal movements. 